Day 2

Day two. Mission? Get to Santa Clara! Though our backs were a little creaky after
sleeping on the floor of a giant permanent tent, we were very thankful that Christ
Community Church opened up their “home” for us in Carmichael, California. To start
our day, we joined their congregation for an enthusiastic service, with a sermon
from David Timms, professor of biblical theology at William Jessup University.
After debriefing the sermon with students and leaders, we could all agree that his
sermon was thoughtful, engaging, deep, and left us contemplating our hearts’ intent
in our relationships with God as we stepped out the church doors. Focusing on
Mother Theresa’s personal relationship with God, Timms revealed her certainty of
two things: the certainty of her calling and the certainty of Jesus. Though she dealt
with doubt and lack of clarity amidst her life, she relied on God - not to provide her
with clarity, bur rather she trusted God with the certainty of her calling which He
provided. It’s too easy to just want answers, to want to know exactly what is ahead,
but if we were given that “gift” there would be no room for trust.
After an inspirational sermon, we hopped in our vans to hit the road. After gas,
and Starbucks (necessary!!), we began our six-hour jaunt down “THE” Five as Josh
clarified via walky-talky more than once J. During our trip, I have to say, the most
memorable moment – other than the USA almost beating Portugal (sigh) – was
hearing Trent confess after eating a burger for the second time in his life that it was
delicious!! We never thought this day would come. Tears came to my eyes while
others throughout the group did a happy dance, chest bumps, fist pounds, and the
like. That may be slightly exaggerated but for those of you that don’t know, Trent
has a somewhat limited list of preferred foods – which I’m sure you gathered after
reading that this was only the second burger he’s ever eaten. Apparently miracles do
happen.
We finally arrived at Josh’s old stomping grounds in Santa Clara, unloaded our vans
and immediately began throwing footballs, kicking soccer balls, finally moving
our limbs from the extensive car ride down. Soaking up the sun, hanging with our
friends and anticipating our opportunity to serve has gotten our trip off to a great
start and we are excitedly awaiting what’s ahead.

Blessings,
Jennica

Today we drove. I ate cheeseburger. We got in and out. We got to gym. We played soccer. Fun day.

-Trent Cowden

I slept in the car. Had a big American burger.

            Arseniy Kondratyuk